COVID-19 in Latin America

05/20/21 • 13 min

This week, we’re focusing on the impact of COVID-19 globally, including Latin America, where the virus has researched in recent weeks, impacting health systems in a number of countries including Brazil, Chile, Peru and Colombia, where UnitedHealthcare operates. 2020 was particularly challenging for Latin America.

Previous Episode

Consumer Health Care Engagement Trends for 2021

COVID-19 has had an outsized influence on the health plan Americans intend to select during open enrollment, according to the new UHC Consumer Sentiment Survey. Meanwhile, the majority of Americans surveyed say they are interested in using a smartphone or laptop to access medical services.

The fifth-annual UnitedHealthcare Consumer Sentiment Survey examines Americans’ attitudes and opinions about multiple areas of health care, including open enrollment preparedness, technology trends and health plan preferences.

By the numbers:

44% said COVID-19 has influenced – or will influence – their preferred health plan choice. Gen-Z were the most likely to be influenced (68%), compared to Baby Boomers (29%).
A survey-record 56% said they are interested in using digital devices, such as smartphones, tablets or laptops, to access care. 55% said they had used the internet or mobile apps to comparison shop for health care during the past year. One-quarter use online or mobile resources as the first option to evaluate health issues or symptoms.
When it comes to specialty benefits, most respondents (84%) said it was important to have vision and dental coverage options during open enrollment.

Next Episode

The ACA's Special Enrollment Period

This week we’re taking a closer look at recent changes to the ACA individual exchanges and what impact that is having on uninsured Americans. 1 million Americans have signed up for covers through the federal exchange during the first 10 weeks of a special enrollment period opened up by the Biden administration on February 15. Nearly half of those new enrollees purchase coverage after Congress passed legislation, adding billions in subsidies that reduced the average monthly premium from $117 to 86. The Biden administration has extended that special enrollment period until August 15, and is advocating to permanently extend those premium subsidies.